Ross Barkley is one of three first-team players to have signed a new deal this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Despite being winless in pre-season so far, the optimism and excitement surrounding Everton going into the new campaign is at its highest for a generation.

After a thrilling first season under Roberto Martinez, the pressure was on to ensure that momentum was not checked by a stuttering summer.

That was a recurring theme under previous manager David Moyes, who was often forced to undo all his good work during a season by selling one of his key players to balance the books in the summer.

That is no longer the case, it seems, due to a combination of tight fiscal management over the past 18 months, the sale of squad players and the new bumper TV deal.

Moyes must look on with envy now chairman Bill Kenwright no longer has an angry bank manager on his back, demanding repayment on the club’s hefty borrowings.

The result is a productive summer that has seen the squad boosted by new arrivals and key players tied down to long-term contracts.

Everton have made a real statement this summer and it is one that could herald a new era for the club

Manager Martinez was the first to sign a new deal, reaffirming his commitment to the club he joined just 12 months ago.

Player of the Year Seamus Coleman was the next to sign on the dotted line, swiftly followed by another bright young talent Ross Barkley.

Twenty-four hours after the Barkley deal, Evertonians were sent into shock when the club somehow cobbled together £28million to smash their transfer record to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.

The following week another one of the club’s young talents, John Stones, signed a new five-year deal, ending speculation regarding his future.

Throw in the signings of Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic, as well as the prospect of further arrivals before the transfer window closes and you can understand why we are all excited by what the season may bring.

A few shaky results in pre-season, including a half-baked display against Celta Vigo last week, mean there is still plenty to do before the big kick off.

And the fans, conditioned to years of under achievement, are wary of celebrating too soon.

However, Everton have made a real statement this summer and it is one that could herald a new era for the club.

If they can build on the form they showed last year then the prospect of ending the 20-year wait for silverware and – whisper it quietly – fighting for a Champions League place is a very real one indeed.